Best Historical Novels
Set in historical China or alternate history, featuring court politics, kingdom building, and warfare, often with time-travel or transmigration elements.
12 novels · Sorted by rating
Nirvana in Fire (Langya Bang)
Completed琅琊榜 · Hai Yan
Mei Changsu, a brilliant strategist hiding behind a frail exterior, orchestrates an intricate plan to clear his father's name and place the rightful heir on the throne. Source material for the acclaimed TV drama.
Qiang Jin Jiu
Completed将进酒 · Tang Jiu Qing
Shen Zechuan and Xiao Chiye, two men bound by enmity and political intrigue, become entangled in a fight for survival as their empire collapses. One of the greatest political danmei novels.
The Rebirth of the Malicious Empress of Military Lineage
Completed重生之将门毒后 · Qian Shan Cha Ke
Shen Miao, an empress betrayed and killed along with her family, is reborn at age 14 and plots meticulous revenge. A masterful historical rebirth novel with a brilliant female lead.
Sha Po Lang
Completed杀破狼 · Priest
In an alternate Qing Dynasty powered by a mysterious fuel called violet gold, two men navigate war, politics, and forbidden love. A steampunk danmei masterpiece.
Golden Stage
Completed黄金台 · Cang Wu Bin Bai
Two men in a political marriage discover genuine affection while navigating court conspiracies. A beloved comfort danmei praised for its healthy, supportive relationship.
Joy of Life
Completed庆余年 · Mao Ni
Fan Xian, born with memories of modern Earth, navigates the political intrigues of an imperial court while uncovering the truth about his mysterious mother. Source material for the hit drama.
Thousand Autumns
Completed千秋 · Meng Xi Shi
Shen Qiao, a blind Daoist sect leader, is pushed off a cliff and rescued by the demonic sect leader Yan Wushi. A beautifully written wuxia danmei about contrasting philosophies.
The Rebirth of an Ill-Fated Consort
Completed重生之嫡女祸妃 · Qian Shan Cha Ke
Jiang Ruan, betrayed and murdered in her first life, is reborn and masterfully orchestrates revenge against those who destroyed her family while winning the heart of an unexpected ally.
The Grandmaster Strategist
Completed大谋士 · Shui Qian Cheng
Jiang Zhe, a talented scholar, becomes embroiled in the wars of succession between princes and uses strategy and political acumen to survive. A well-written historical military novel.
Lord Seventh
Completed七爷 · Priest
A prince reborn seven times finally decides to live for himself instead of the throne. A contemplative historical danmei about breaking free from fate.
The Human Emperor
Completed人皇纪 · Imperial Sword
Wang Chong, the only survivor of humanity's last stand, is reborn and uses his knowledge of history to change the fate of the Tang Dynasty. An epic military-strategy novel with historical grounding.
Records of the Human Emperor
Completed人皇经 · Imperial Sword
Similar in scope to The Human Emperor, following a young man who uses knowledge of the future to guide humanity through an age of gods and demons.